Bringing economic benefit through collaboration and partnership

Legal Services are GREAT facilitates growth for UK legal services in fast growing markets, expands business networks and generates export wins for UK law firms and chambers.

• The UK legal sector brings significant economic benefit. It contributes over £22 billion gross value added a year to the British economy. It also provides employment for around 350,000 people.
• The English and Welsh legal system underpins trade, business and the markets, enabling them to function.
• English Law and the UK legal sector are forward-looking, constantly evolving and adapting to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global environment.
• Post COVID-19, there are huge opportunities for UK legal professionals to expand their global footprint by collaborating and partnering with colleagues in jurisdictions around the world.

UK-Africa Legal Services Virtual Trade Mission December 2020

In December 2020, the campaign held a virtual trade mission bringing 400 legal professionals together from across the UK and Africa. The event was hosted by the Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland QC, with a keynote speech by Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa Emma Wade-Smith, who spoke about strengthening economic ties between the UK and Africa.

Creating an inclusive event

Adapting to a virtual platform for the mission enabled the event to be more inclusive, with delegates from the UK, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and beyond being able to reconnect with colleagues and make promising new professional links without leaving their office.

Addressing current issues

More than 20 events took place over 3 days. Discussions focused on current issues and emerging trends in sectors from Lawtech to dispute resolution to protecting sustainable infrastructure projects.

Guest speakers also talked about the challenges of operating post-COVID-19 and the shared determination to embrace, adapt and move forward.

Creating networking opportunities

Konyin Ajayi, Managing Partner from Olaniwun Ajayi LP, in Nigeria said:

The privilege of being on this panel speaks best through my improvement in just an hour of being with you all. Thanks to MoJ for bringing together a team that leads and adds value. Much credit must be given to the organiser!

Michael Patchett-Joyce, barrister from 36 Commercial said:

It was an excellent event. The sessions were valuable – useful and informative. The opportunity to re-connect with old friends and make promising new professional links were exceptional. We will be following up with law firms from four jurisdictions in Africa, all relating to areas of common professional interest, taking place next week or the week after. So, tangible and immediate results have come from this mission already.

Working with the industry

As an industry event, the mission worked closely with The Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council to showcase UK legal expertise. Discussions also looked at shared opportunities ahead for UK and African firms to boost economic growth.

Supporting economic recovery

The virtual trade mission was the first of its kind for the UK Ministry of Justice and marked the beginning of a series of post-Covid campaign activity that aims to support UK economic recovery, boost growth and level up opportunity across the country.

Thank you Madam President.

We welcome the High Commissioner’s report.

In response to the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, on 1 February we announced sanctions against four security sector chiefs responsible for serious human rights violations under President Mnangagwa. The Government must respect the rights enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution.

The UK continues to be concerned about the protection of civilians in Cameroon, particularly following the appalling killing of children in Kumba, in October 2020, and a series of violent incidents in January 2021. The violence must end. Urgent and impartial investigations must hold the perpetrators to account. In Uganda, we are concerned about the reported treatment of opposition candidates, their supporters, and the media around the 14 January Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The Government of Uganda must meet its international human rights obligations.

In Nigeria, we welcome the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, following 2020’s EndSARS protests against police brutality. We are monitoring closely the judicial panels of inquiry established to investigate allegations of police brutality and human rights violations. The Nigerian authorities should ensure accountability for those responsible.

In Vietnam, we are concerned about the treatment and imprisonment of journalists and human rights defenders. A free media is essential to a functioning society. We also encourage Vietnam to share the progress it has made towards implementing the recommendations made during its latest Universal Periodic Review.

Recent violence and an increase in targeted attacks on civilians in Afghanistan, including on those who defend human rights and media freedom, are deeply concerning. We call for thorough and transparent investigations into attacks, and for all perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Finally, we refer to our statements on Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Burundi and Venezuela that have been made, or will be made, at other dialogues during this session. Thank you.

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